Doha, December 03 (QNA) - Qatar's Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities has held the first Arab Music Festival for Persons with Disabilities, bringing together performers from across the region in a two-day celebration of artistic inclusion.
The event coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. More than 300 musical submissions were received from various Arab countries, with 30 finalists selected to perform at the U Venue Theater in Doha, where a jury announced the festival's inaugural winners.
Mariam Saif Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center, said the festival marked a significant step in promoting cultural and social inclusion. "This festival is a civilised message affirming that art is a universal language capable of crossing barriers," she said. "We are celebrating exceptional talents and offering them the platform they deserve."
The judging panel included leading Qatari and Arab music experts, who praised the diversity and quality of performances showcased on stage.
Organisers said the festival aimed not only to highlight the creative abilities of participants, but also to raise awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities and reinforce values of respect, cultural diversity and social integration. Al Suwaidi noted that the event reflects Qatar's and the wider Arab region's commitment to supporting inclusivity and enabling everyone to express their talents with dignity.
As the festival concluded, Al Suwaidi said the performers had demonstrated that when determination meets music, it creates new horizons of hope and beauty. Participants expressed their appreciation for the platform, describing it as a space for empowerment, creativity and recognition. (QNA)